Beauty Basics: Bright Eyes

You can learn a lot about a woman by examining her eyes. They express love, joy, excitement. But at the same time, more than anywhere else on the body, the eyes show early signs of sun damage, stress, and illness.

"The skin around the eyes is some of the thinnest you have," says holistic cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Jeanette Jacknin, author of "Smart Medicine for Your Skin." Pair that fragility with a small pad of underlying fat that all but vanishes with age, and you're left with little to guard against wrinkles or disguise veins. As a result, the slightest damage readily becomes visible.

Store shelves are packed with conventional treatments specific to the eye area. But no single, perfect product exists, says Dr. Thomas Le, director of facial rejuvenation procedures at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.

The best solution? Take a holistic approach. Natural and nature-inspired remedies supply you with a powerful arsenal, say Jacknin and home-spa doyenne Janice Cox, author of "Natural Beauty at Home." Restorative ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants, and essential oils extracted from herbs, teas, and other plants can help mend this vulnerable area.

The Cause Fluid pools around the eyes while you sleep but should drain during the day. Persistent swelling may result from dilated blood vessels, allergies, or a diet that promotes water retention.

Essential StepsAvoid heavy creams; they trap moisture, says Cox. Drink plenty of water and limit salty foods and alcohol to reduce water retention.

Quick Fix Splash your face with cold water and pat dry with a soft towel. Follow with a cold compress of chilled tea bags (black, green, or white), cucumber slices, or witch-hazel-soaked cotton balls; rest with the compress for 15 minutes. This will help constrict blood vessels and absorb excess fluid. Rinse, dry, and then apply a lightweight eye gel (store products in the fridge to enhance calming action).

The Cause With age, cells produce more free radicals, which indirectly break down collagen and elastin, causing skin to lose elasticity and structure. A pad of fat, the eye's "shock absorber," bulges outward, while fat below the eye thins. Water retention amplifies the problem.

Essential Steps Eat vitamin C-rich foods to support collagen production.Tap the eye area lightly while moisturiz-ing to help dissipate excess fluid, says Cox. To reduce water retention, drink water, limit alcohol, and get more rest.

The CauseSkin produces decreasing amounts of oil over time, so eyelids tend to become dry and fragile. Loss of elasticity and fat, plus thinning skin, compound the problem and contribute to small folds in the lids. Eye shadows and cleansers can dry, too. With diminishing protection, too much scrubbing and overly absorbent powders can make matters worse.

Essential Steps Use a light eye cream in the morning and a rich cream at night; tap the eye area lightly with your finger until the product is absorbed to stimulate circulation, says Cox. Use a gentle, hydrating makeup remover or cleanser. Don't scrub harder to remove stubborn makeup; instead, gently wash the area again. Eliminate talc-based eye shadows, which sap moisture.